Working Foreperson Operator/Laborer

Working Foreperson Operator/Laborer

Salary

$56,196.84 - $71,130.86 Annually

Location

BPL Central Library - 700 Boylston Street

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00161

Department

Boston Public Library

Opening Date

10/21/2026

Closing Date

1/16/2027 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits

Overview

Under general supervision, responsible for organizing and performing all aspects of work relating to various labor activities. Also responsible for supervising all laborers and helpers (including other trades/building staff assigned to laborer projects as necessary).

Responsibilities

• Schedules work according to priority or as directed by the Facilities Officer or Supervisor of Custodians.
• Responsible for ensuring that the proper equipment is available for the specific job use needs.
• Responsible for ensuring the safety of the crew; provides the training and instruction necessary to operate equipment in a productive and safe manner.
• Responsible for grounds care and snow removal.
• Coordinates materials requests and the procurement process through the Facilities Office to ensure operational needs are met by this unit.
• Assists with response to building emergencies.
• Performs general manual labor in the Library: moves books, book cartons, book bags, book trucks, furniture, equipment, supplies, etc.
• Assists with managing furniture/shelving inventory.
• Shelves, cleans, and handles books in storage areas.
• Assists in the dismantling, repair, and installation of library furnishings and fixtures.
• Assists any mechanic, craftsman, semi-skilled, or skilled maintenance personnel, including contractors.
• Performs general cleaning duties as required.
• Transports personnel to job locations as directed.
• Drives vehicles as needed or directed.
• Assists with the transport of materials and supplies between library facilities.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

• Knowledge of the job acquired by at least five (5) years of experience in supervising labor forces.
• Must possess the computer skills necessary to work with the maintenance management system software in the production of work schedules and reports of maintenance data. Must have e-mail proficiency.
• Applicant must possess a valid Massachusetts driver's license - Class B, within six (6) months of appointment.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to assume responsibility and to work well with others.
• Superior work habits and ability to prioritize work well; skill with multitasking.
• Ability to carry out assignments independently; good communication skills; initiative; dependability; tact; courtesy.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the position.

CORI & SORI CHECKS REQUIRED

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: AFSCME/M-8

Hours per week: 40

The City of Boston is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite applications from all qualified individuals and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected category.

At the City of Boston, we provide our employees with a wide array of benefits and resources that foster both their professional and personal development. Our goal is to make City government a place where everyone is empowered to make a positive impact for the communities in which we live, work, and play.

For full-time positions, employees may be eligible for the following benefits depending on the nature of their employment and applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for the position. View the Collective Bargaining Agreements page to learn more.

Benefits Available to City Workers

• Retirement & Savings Opportunities: Membership in the Boston Retirement System (BRS), a benefit pension plan providing lifetime income to vested employees when they retire, along with deferred compensation options to help you build a secure future. Visit boston.gov/retirement to learn more.

• Health Insurance & Benefits: The City offers competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus flexible spending (FSA), dependent care accounts, and life insurance for our employees. Visit boston.gov/insurance to learn more.

• Other Benefits: City employees enjoy a benefits package featuring paid time off and leave, subsidized transit (MBTA and Bluebikes), educational assistance, and employee wellness programs. Visit boston.gov/life-city-boston to learn more.

• Salary information: To view salary plans and understand how salaries work at the City of Boston, go to boston.gov/salary.

Part-time employees who are scheduled to work for 20 hours or more per week may also be eligible for benefits on a pro-rated basis. Please refer to the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to learn more about any benefits available for this position.

If you have any questions about the benefits offered for this position, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 617-635-3370 or ohr@boston.gov.

Employer City of Boston (MA)

Address 1 City Hall Plaza, Room 612

Boston, Massachusetts, 02201

Phone 617-635-3370

Website https://www.boston.gov